Protective case with internal suspension system

ABSTRACT

A protective case for an electronic device includes a chassis, a back portion, and an internal suspension system. The chassis includes a cavity having inner surfaces. The back portion is attached to the chassis and adjacent to a back surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The internal suspension system is positioned in the cavity and attached to the inner surfaces of the chassis and to the back portion of the protective case. The internal suspension system includes multiple cushion portions. One of the cushion portions contacts part of the back surface of the electronic device. The internal suspension system protects the installed electronic device from external forces and provides an air gap between the protective case and a back surface of the installed electronic device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 9,161,597, filed onSep. 12, 2014, and issued on Oct. 20, 2015, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/876,898, filed on Sep. 12,2013, the content of each hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties as if set out fully herein.

BACKGROUND

Mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones, portable mediaplayers, personal computers, e-readers, tablet computers, and audioplayers, are becoming increasingly important in peoples' day-to-dayactivities. People rely on mobile electronic devices to communicate withothers, engage in commerce, listen to music, watch videos, and managepersonal calendars, just to name a few. Due to the high cost of mobileelectronic devices, there is a strong incentive to protect these devicesfrom physical damage, such as drop-induced damage. And due to resalevalue of electronic devices being determined largely by the cosmeticcondition of the exterior surfaces of the electronic device, there is astrong economic incentive to protect electronic devices from cosmeticdamages, such as scratches or marring.

Many existing protective cases impart wear marks or scratches on theelectronic device over time. For instance, some slider cases may scratcha device during installation if debris, such as sand or pocket lint, ispresent at the interface between the device and an inner surface of theslider case. Other protective cases may result in marring due to subtlerubbing of the protective case against the electronic device over time.Marring can result in a glossy surface finish being reduced to a mattesurface finish on certain portions of the electronic device, which isundesirable from a resale perspective. To avoid these outcomes, it canbe desirable to have a protective case that effectively protects theelectronic device against drop-induced damage but also does not impartvisible signs of wear on exterior surfaces of the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case for anelectronic device to the left of a front perspective view of the sameprotective case.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with anelectronic device housed within the protective case and a sliding backportion fully installed on the protective case.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with anelectronic device housed within the protective case and a sliding backportion partially installed on the protective case.

FIG. 4 shows a partial front perspective view of a protective case witha sliding back portion and an electronic device housed within theprotective case.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a protective case with asliding back portion and an electronic device housed within theprotective case.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a protective case with asliding back portion fully installed on the protective case and noelectronic device housed within the protective case.

FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the protective case ofFIG. 6 taken along section A-A, where the protective case includes aninternal suspension system.

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of a protective case housing anelectronic device, where the protective case includes a transparentlayer covering an interactive touchscreen of the electronic device.

FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the protective case ofFIG. 7 where the protective case includes a transparent layer configuredto cover and protect an interactive touchscreen of the electronicdevice.

FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a waterproof protective casefor an electronic device, where the protective case includes atransparent layer covering an interactive touchscreen of the electronicdevice.

FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a waterproof protectivecase including a transparent layer configured to cover and protect aninteractive touchscreen of an electronic device.

FIG. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a waterproof protectivecase including a transparent layer configured to cover and protect aninteractive touchscreen of an electronic device.

FIG. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a waterproof protectivecase configured to form a watertight seal against a surface of anelectronic device.

FIG. 14A shows a protective case with a pocket configured to receive andstore a card.

FIG. 14B shows a protective case with a pocket configured to receive andstore a card, where the pocket includes an access opening to facilitateremoval of the card from the pocket.

FIG. 15 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with a pocketconfigured to receive and store one or more cards.

FIG. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of a protective case with apocket configured to receive and store one or more cards.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of a protective case surroundinga mobile electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Through experimental testing, researchers have discovered thatsignificant stresses are placed on components of an electronic devicewhen the device is dropped on its corner. Typically, when an electronicdevice is dropped on its corner, two or more sequential impacts resultbefore the device comes to rest on the ground. This series of impacts isknown as “clattering” and can lead to maximum stresses generated withincomponents of the electronic device. These maximum stresses can resultin failure of one or more components in the device. For instance, amaximum stress can result in a shattered screen, failure of a sensor(e.g. a proximity or light sensor), or failure or damage to an acousticcomponent (e.g. a microphone or speaker). To minimize stresses incomponents of the electronic device 50, it can be desirable to house thedevice in a protective case 100 that experiences minimal flexing ortwisting during an impact event, and in turn transfers minimal flexingor twisting to the electronic device during the impact event.

To achieve this result, the protective case 100 can include a chassis180 that resists bending or flexing during an impact event. The chassis180 can lend stiffness to the protective case 100, thereby preventingthe protective case from incurring damage during an impact event, andthereby protecting the electronic device 50 housed within the protectivecase from damage during that same impact event. The chassis may bedesigned with robust portions that enable the chassis to resist bendingor flexing during impact, but may also be designed with thinner portionswhere added material would not substantively increase drop performance.For instance, the chassis 180 may be thinner along its side portions toreduce weight and thickness of the overall chassis, as well as to reducematerial cost of the protective case. Conversely, the chassis 180 may bethicker at corner portions to provide additional protection againstdrop-induced damage to the electronic device resulting from repeated,randomly oriented drops onto a hard surface, such as a concrete floor.With these considerations in mind, the chassis 180 can have a variety ofsuitable thicknesses such as, for example, about 0.005-0.1, 0.01-0.08,0.01-0.06, 0.01-0.05, or 0.01-0.04 in, depending on the location in thechassis.

Various examples of protective cases 100 for mobile electronic devicesare shown in FIGS. 1-17. In certain examples, the protective case 100can include a chassis, a sliding back portion 105, and an internalsuspension system configured to protect the electronic device fromdrop-induced damage and to preserve the resale value of an electronicdevice by minimizing cosmetic damage to surfaces of the electronicdevice while housed in the case 100. In some examples, the protectivecase 100 can be waterproof and can include seals or gaskets (e.g. 131,134) to allow the case to protect the electronic device from liquids.

The protective case 100 can be configured to house and protect a mobileelectronic device 50, such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer,or portable media player. The protective case 100 can have a sleekprofile with exterior dimensions that are not significantly larger thanthe outer dimensions of the mobile electronic device 50 housed withinthe protective case. Despite having a sleek profile, the protective case100 may provide a substantial level of protection to the electronicdevice due to an innovative internal suspension system that elevates thedevice relative to inner surfaces of the protective case at a distanceengineered to avoid rubbing-induced damage. In some examples, theprotective case 100 can have an external feel or appearance that mimicsthe feel or appearance of the electronic device housed within theprotective case.

The protective case 100, covering, housing, container, or encasement canbe made of any suitable material or combination of materials. In oneexample, the protective case 100 can include a chassis 180, which isshown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. The chassis 180 can be madeof any suitable material, such as cast, forged, or machined metal,including, for example, aluminum, titanium, or steel. In other examples,wood, polymer, carbon fiber composite, alkali-aluminosilicate sheettoughened glass, or sapphire glass can make up all or a portion of thechassis 180.

The chassis 180 can include a plurality of outer surfaces, including anouter left side surface, an outer right side surface, an outer bottomside surface, and an outer top side surface. The outer surfaces of thechassis 180 can be covered with a softer material, and the softermaterial can define a surface covering that improves the feel of theprotective case. The surface covering can also provide an increasedcoefficient of friction compared to the bare chassis surface, which canbe useful for preventing the protective case from sliding off of aninclined surface, such as an automobile dash, where the electronicdevice may be positioned for visual display and audible transmission ofnavigational route instructions to a driver of the automobile.

The surface covering can be made of any suitable material, such asleather, rubber, textile, composite, polymer, or combination thereof.The surface covering can absorb and dissipate impact energy during animpact event, thereby protecting the electronic device 50 from drop orbump-induced damage. The combination of the chassis 180 and surfacecovering can protect the electronic device 50 from a wide variety ofdamage that either the chassis 180 or surface covering alone could notprotect against. The chassis 180 can allow the protective case 100 toresist bending or flexing during an impact event, thereby reducingstresses imparted to components of the electronic device, and thesurface covering can absorb and dissipate impact energy during the sameimpact event, thereby reducing impact forces transmitted to theelectronic device.

In some examples, the surface covering can include a plurality ofsurface coverings, such as a back surface covering 165, a left sidesurface covering 150, a right side surface covering 155, and a top sidesurface covering 160. The back surface covering 165 can be affixed to anouter surface of the sliding back portion 105. The left side surfacecovering 150 can be affixed to an outer left side surface of thechassis. The right side surface covering 155 can be affixed to an outerright side surface of the chassis. As shown in FIG. 7, the surfacecovering portions (e.g. 155, 165) can extend outward beyond the outerperimeter of the chassis 180, which can allow the surface coveringportions to behave as resilient crumple zones during an impact event,effectively compressing and absorbing impact energy before an outersurface of the chassis 180 contacts the ground.

In some examples, the surface covering can be made of leather. Inaddition to being durable and reconditionable and having a desirable,warm feel, the leather surface coverings can have many other advantages.For instance, the leather surface covering can absorb and dissipateimpact energy, thereby protecting the electronic device 50 from drop orbump-induced damage. Also, the leather surface coverings can provide astatic coefficient of friction that is suitable to prevent theprotective case 100 from sliding when placed on a relatively smooth,sloped surface, such as a dashboard of an automobile, thereby avoidingdamage that could result from unwanted movement. For instance, thestatic coefficient of friction between the leather surface covering andthe automobile dashboard can be about 0.2-0.65, 0.25-0.5, 0.25-0.35, or0.4-0.6.

The surface coving can permit a user to access or interact with featureson the electronic device 50 without needing to remove the electronicdevice from the protective case 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,volume buttons (110, 115) located on a side surface of the electronicdevice 50 can be actuated through a left side surface covering 150 ofthe protective case 100. In this example, the chassis can includeopenings proximate the volume buttons (110, 115) to permit interactionof the buttons by applying force to the outer surface of the surfacecovering proximate the volume buttons.

The left side surface covering 150 can be slightly raised proximate thevolume buttons (110, 115) to permit a user to identify the buttonlocations by touch alone. This attribute can be desirable if the userdesires to adjust the volume setting on the electronic device when thedevice is not visible to the user (e.g. when the device is in the user'spocket or purse and the user wants to adjust a ringtone volume withoutremoving the device from its stowed location). Alternately, theprotective case 100 can include an opening to permit access to featureson the electronic device 50, such as an opening for a mute rocker switch125, as shown in FIG. 4, or an opening 140 to accommodate a connectorport 145, speaker 146, or microphone 147.

In certain examples, there may not be a distinct break between variousportions of the surface covering (e.g. 150, 155, 160, 165). Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 4, there may not be a visible break betweenthe left side surface covering 150 and the top side surface covering160. Instead, the left side surface covering 150 and the top sidesurface 160 may form a continuous surface covering that wraps around atop left corner of the protective case 100. Similarly, there may not bea visible break between the right side surface covering 155 and the topside surface covering 160. Instead, the right side surface covering 155and the top side surface 160 may form a continuous surface covering thatwraps around a top right corner of the protective case 100

The protective case 100 can include a front bezel 130, as shown in FIG.4, that extends around a front surface of the protective case and a rearbezel 135 that extends around a rear surface of the protective case. Thefront bezel 130 can have a beveled surface 170, as shown in FIG. 7, thatslopes gradually toward a touchscreen surface of an electronic device 50when the device is installed in the case. This geometry can be morecomfortable for a user when making a swiping gesture on the touchscreensurface, since the user's finger can glide up and over the front bezel130 rather than catching abruptly on a sharp edge if the beveled surface170 were not present. The front bezel 130 can include a raised flatportion 185 that is configured to contact, for example, a surface of atable to prevent the touchscreen of the electronic device from directlycontacting the surface of the table when the device is placed in afacedown orientation. The front and rear bezels (130, 135) can be madeof any suitable material, including metal, polymer,alkali-aluminosilicate sheet toughened glass, natural fiber, composite,or combination thereof. In some examples, the front and rear bezels canbe made of anodized aluminum or nickel plated steel.

The protective case 100 can include a cavity 102 in the chassis, and thecavity can be configured to receive and retain the electronic device 50.The cavity 102 can include an inner left side surface, inner right sidesurface 103, inner bottom side surface 106, inner front side surface107, and an inner top side surface 104, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Acushion layer 175 can be disposed on one or more surfaces defining thecavity 102, as shown in FIG. 6 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.The cushion layer 175 can protect the electronic device 50 fromimpact-induced damage, for example, by dissipating impact energyresulting from a drop. The cushion layer 175 can also serve to isolatethe electronic device 50 from the chassis 180, thereby protectingexterior surfaces of the electronic device from being scratched by thechassis. The cushion layer can have a thickness of about 0.005 to 0.25,0.005 to 0.1, 0.01 to 0.08, 0.01 to 0.06, 0.01 to 0.05, or 0.01 to 0.04in.

Many companies have trade-in or buyback programs focused on purchasingand reselling used mobile electronic devices. Examples of companies withtrade-in or buyback programs include GAZELLE, BESTBUY, BUYMYTRONICS,GLYDE, NEXTWORTH, RADIOSHACK, and TOTEM. When determining the value of aused electronic device, the company will commonly factor in the device'sphysical appearance. A device that has no visible signs of weartypically fetches a higher resale value than a device that has visiblesigns of wear. Therefore, to ensure maximum resale of an electronicdevice, it is desirable to prevent the device from being scratchedduring a period of ownership. Simply enclosing the electronic device ina protective case may not adequately safeguard the electronic devicefrom being scratched. Many protective cases impart wear marks orscratches on the electronic device over time. For instance, some slidercases may scratch a device during installation if debris (e.g. sand orpocket lint) is trapped between the device and an inner surface of theslider case. Other protective cases may result in marring due to subtlerubbing of the protective case against the electronic device over timeif the case does not have a precision fit. Marring can result in aglossy surface finish being reduced to a matte surface finish onsurfaces of the electronic device, which is undesirable from a resaleperspective. To avoid these outcomes, it can be desirable to have aprotective case that effectively protects the electronic device 50against drop-induced damage and also avoids imparting visible signs ofwear on exterior surfaces of the electronic device. To accomplish thisobjective, the protective case can provide air gaps, as describedherein, that establish clearance volumes between the electronic deviceand inner surfaces of the protective case, thereby preventing formationof visible signs of wear on the electronic device.

The cushion layer can be made of any suitable material such as asaturated or unsaturated elastomer. Examples of suitable materialsinclude silicon rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers, includingsilicone-based thermoplastics. These examples of suitable materials arenot intended to be limiting. To ensure proper performance, the cushionlayer can have a hardness of, for example, 30-70, 30-50, or 40-50 ShoreA.

To form the cushion layer, a thermoplastic elastomer can be injectionmolded into the cavity 102 of the chassis 180. The thermoplasticelastomer can have a melting point of about 410-450, 420-440, or 430° F.During manufacturing, a mold can be used to form the cushion layer. Themold can be installed within an injection molding machine. To ensureconsistent injection molding performance, the mold can be maintained ata temperature of about 100° F. To form the cushion layer 175, thethermoplastic elastomer can be injected into the cavity 102 in theprotective case 100 at a suitable temperature and pressure to ensureproper flow of the thermoplastic elastomer. After the cushion layer hasbeen formed and the injection molding process is complete, the mold canthen be opened, and the protective enclosure 100 can be removed from themold.

As an alternative to the overmolding process described above, thecushion layer 175 can be injection molded as a separate component andaffixed to one or more surfaces of the cavity 102 during a secondaryassembly process. During the secondary assembly process, the injectionmolded cushion layer can be affixed to the chassis by, for example, anadhesive layer. Due to the additional steps required to produce aninjection molded cushion layer 175, using an overmolded cushion layercan be more desirable. In addition, due to bonding that occurs on amolecular level, an overmolded cushion layer may be less likely toseparate from the chassis 180 than an injection molded cushion layerthat is separately formed and later affixed to chassis by an adhesive.

The cushion layer 175 can include one or more cushion layer portions. Insome examples, the cushion layer portions can be interconnected to forma continuous cushion layer over one or more surfaces of the cavity inthe chassis 180. Alternately, the cushion layer portions can be discretecushion layer portions that are not interconnected. In yet anotherexample, some of the cushion layer portions may be interconnected andsome may not be interconnected, as shown in FIG. 7. A portion of thecushion layer 175 can cover a portion of an inner left side surface ofthe cavity 102. The inner right side surface 103 of the cavity 102 canbe covered by a right side cushion layer 190, as shown in FIG. 7. Theinner bottom side surface 106 of the cavity 102 can be covered by abottom side cushion layer 192. The inner top side surface 104 of thecavity 102 can be covered by a top side cushion layer 192.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sliding back portion 105 can be configured toslidably attach to the chassis 180. FIG. 3 shows the sliding backportion 105 partially installed on the protective case 100, and FIG. 2shows the sliding back portion fully installed on the protective case.The sliding back portion 105 can include an inner surface and an outersurface. A cushion layer can be overmolded on a portion of the innersurface of the sliding back portion 105, as shown in FIG. 7. The cushionlayer 177 can be disposed in a channel 178 formed on the inner surfaceof the sliding back portion 105. Sides of the channel 178 can provideadditional surface area for the cushion layer 177 to adhere to, and thatadditional bonding area can help to ensure the cushion layer 177 doesnot separate from the sliding back portion over time.

As shown in FIG. 13, the cushion layer 177 can include a back sidesuspension portion 176 configured to provide separation between a backsurface of the electronic device and an inner surface 172 of the slidingback portion 105. The back side suspension portion 176 can preventscratching of the back surface 51 of the electronic device 50 whensliding the sliding back portion 105 is installed into the chassis 180.The back side suspension portion 176 on the sliding back portion 105 canextend the entire length of the electronic device 50 or less than theentire length of the electronic device. The back side suspension portion176 can be one continuous raised portion or can be made up of two ormore raised portions along all or part of a length or width of the backsurface 51 of the electronic device 50. In certain examples, the backside suspension portion 176 can have a length of about 0.125-2.0,0.125-8.0, 0.5-6.0, 2.0-6.0, 4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0 inches. The back sideraised portion 176 can have any suitable shape, such as a partialcylinder as shown in FIG. 7, partial prism, or partial cuboid.

The back side suspension portion 176 on the sliding back portion 105 canbe configured to provide a back air gap 179, as shown in FIG. 7, betweenthe inner surface 172 of the sliding back portion 105 and a back surface51 of the electronic device 50. The back air gap 179 can preventabrasion of the back surface 51 of the electronic device 50 duringinstallation of the sliding back portion 105, as shown in FIG. 3, bypreventing the inner surface 172 of the sliding back portion 105 fromdirectly contacting or rubbing against the back surface 51 of theelectronic device 50 as the sliding back portion slides into the fullyinstalled position. The back air gap 179 can have any suitable dimensionsuch as, for example, about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04,0.01-0.020, or 0.01-0.03 in, where the back air gap is measured betweenan inner surface 172 of the sliding back portion 105 and a back surface51 of the electronic device 50 when the electronic device is installedin the protective case and the sliding back portion is fully installed.

The cushion layer 175 can include a right side suspension portion 181extending from a cushion layer 175 located on an inner side surface ofthe cavity 102, as shown in FIG. 7. The right side suspension portion181 can be configured to provide separation between a side surface ofthe electronic device 50 and an inner side surface of the cavity 102.The right side suspension portion 181 can prevent scratching of a sidesurface of the electronic device when installed in the protective case100. The right side suspension portion 181 can be configured to providea right side air gap 182, as shown in FIG. 7, between the right sidesurface of the electronic device 50 and the right side cushion cover190. The right side air gap 182 can have any suitable dimension such as,for example, about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04,0.01-0.02, or 0.01-0.03 in, where the side air gap is measured between asurface of the right side cushion cover 190 and a right side surface ofthe electronic device 50 when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case and the sliding back portion 105 is installed.

The right side suspension portion 181 on the on right side cushion layer190 can extend the entire length of the electronic device 50 or lessthan the entire length of the electronic device. The right sidesuspension portion 181 can be one continuous raised portion or can bemade up of two or more raised portions along the length of theelectronic device. In certain examples, the right side suspensionportion 181 can have a length of about 0.125-8.0, 0.5-6.0, 2.0-6.0,4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0 inches. The right side suspension portion 181 canhave any suitable shape, such as a partial cylinder as shown in FIG. 7,partial prism, or partial cuboid.

The protective case can include a left side suspension portion extendingfrom a cushion layer on the inner right side surface of the cavity 102.The left side suspension portion can be configured to provide a leftside air gap between the cushion layer and a left side of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.The left side suspension portion can extend the entire length of theelectronic device 50 or less than the entire length of the electronicdevice. The left side suspension portion can be one continuous raisedportion or can be made up of two or more suspension portions along thelength of the electronic device. In certain examples, the left sidesuspension portion can have a length of about 0.125-8.0, 0.5-6.0,2.0-6.0, 4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0 inches. The left side suspension portion181 can have any suitable shape, such as a partial cylinder as shown inFIG. 7, partial prism, or partial cuboid.

The cushion layer 175 can include a front side suspension portion 183extending from a cushion layer 175 located on an inner front sidesurface 107 of the cavity 102, as shown in FIG. 7. The front sidesuspension portion 183 can be configured to provide separation between afront side surface 52 of the electronic device 50 and an inner frontside surface 107 of the cavity 102. The front side suspension portion183 can prevent scratching of a front surface 52 of the electronicdevice 50 when installed in the protective case 100. The front sidesuspension portion 183 can be configured to provide a front air gap 184,as shown in FIG. 7, between the front surface 52 of the electronicdevice 50 and the front bezel 130 of the chassis 180. The front air gap184 can have any suitable dimension such as, for example, about0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, 0.01-0.02, or 0.01-0.03 in,where the front air gap is measured between an inner surface of thefront bezel 130 and the front surface 52 of the electronic device 50when the electronic device is installed in the protective case and thesliding back portion 105 is installed.

The front side suspension portion 183 on the front side cushion layercan extend the entire length of the electronic device 50 or less thanthe entire length of the electronic device. The front side suspensionportion 183 can be one continuous raised portion or can be made up oftwo or more raised portions along the length of the electronic device50. In certain examples, the front side suspension portion 183 can havea length of about 0.125-8.0, 0.5-6.0, 2.0-6.0, 4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0inches. The front side suspension portion 183 can have any suitableshape, such as a partial cylinder as shown in FIG. 7, partial prism, orpartial cuboid.

The sliding back portion 105 can slidably attach to the chassis 180 byany suitable method of attachment. In one example, the sliding backportion 105 can have rails 131 extending along a right side edge and aleft side edge, and each rail can be configured to mate with acorresponding rail receiver 132 in the chassis, as shown in FIG. 7. Inanother example, the sliding back portion 105 can have rail receivers132 extending from a right side edge and a left side edge, and each railreceiver can be configured to mate with a corresponding rail in thechassis 180.

As shown in FIG. 3, during installation, the sliding back portion 105can be configured to initially engage the chassis 180 near a bottom sidesurface of the chassis. This configuration can be desirable, since itcan minimize abrasion to a camera lens 55 and camera flash 56 located ona back surface of the electronic device 50 during installation of thesliding back portion 105. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the protective case 100can include a camera opening 120 in the sliding back portion 105. Anupper portion 156 of the sliding back portion 105, which can be locatedbetween the camera opening 120 and a top side of the sliding backportion as shown in FIG. 3, can be designed to provide a camera air gapbetween an inner surface 172 of the sliding back portion 105 and a backsurface 51 of the electronic device 50. The camera air gap can preventabrasion to the camera lens 55 and camera flash 56 during installationof the sliding back portion 105, as shown in FIG. 3. The camera air gapcan have any suitable dimension such as, for example, about 0.005-0.1,0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.01-0.02, or 0.01-0.03 in, where the camera airgap is measured between an inner surface 172 of the sliding back portion105 and a back surface 51 of the electronic device 50.

In many instances, it can be desirable to have a protective case 100that is capable of storing a card 167, such as a credit card, debitcard, or driver's license. This feature can allow a user to leave theirwallet or purse at home when only a few cards are needed. Variousexamples of protective cases 100 with pockets are presented in FIGS.14A-16. The pocket 166 can be affixed to a rear surface 169 of theprotective case 100 by any suitable method, such as adhesive,over-molding, or stitching. The pocket 166 can be configured to receivea card 167, such as a payment card or identification card, and thepocket can have any suitable size. In one example shown in FIGS. 14A and14B, the pocket 166 can have a width of about 2-3, 2.13-2.15, 2.13-2.18,2.13-2.23, or 2.13-2.33 inches. The pocket 166 can conceal all or a partof the card 167. As shown in FIG. 14B, the pocket 166 can conceal abouttwo-thirds of the card 167 to permit the card to be easily withdrawnfrom the pocket. In other examples, the pocket 166 can conceal all ormost of the card 167 to provide added security against loss or theft ofthe card. For instance, the pocket 166 can have a length that isapproximately equal to the length of the card (e.g. 3.38-3.40,3.38-3.43, 3.38-3.48, or 3.38-3.58 inches) and can include an accessopening 168, as shown in FIG. 14A, in the pocket to permit a user tourge the card out of the pocket using their finger. The access opening168 in the pocket 166 can be located near a top side of the pocket ornear a bottom side of the pocket (as shown in FIG. 14A) and can be aboutthe size of a user's fingertip. To prevent the card 167 fromaccidentally falling out of the pocket 166, a rear surface 169 of theprotective case 100 can include a material, such as suede, leather,wool, felt, synthetic suede, or any other suitable synthetic or naturalmaterial, that provides a static coefficient of friction that preventsthe card 167 from inadvertently sliding out of the pocket. In someexamples, the static coefficient of friction can be about 0.2-0.65,0.25-0.5, 0.25-0.35, or 0.4-0.6.

As described above, the protective case 100 can include a surfacecovering having a back surface covering 165, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Inanother example, the sliding back portion 105 may not have a backsurface covering 165. The sliding back portion 105 can be made ofalkali-aluminosilicate sheet toughened glass, wood, bamboo, metal, orcomposite material. A metallic sliding back portion 105 be treated byany suitable process to further increase its durability, scratchresistance, or corrosion resistance. The metal sliding back portion 105or the chassis 180 can be bead blasted, anodized, or coated. Suitablecoating methods can include, for example, electroplating or physicalvapor deposition (PVD) (e.g. cathode arc deposition, electron beam PVD,evaporative deposition, pulsed laser deposition, sputter deposition,spray-physical PVD). Suitable coatings can include, for example, chrome,nickel, ceramic, gold, platinum, palladium, titanium nitride, chromiumnitride, titanium aluminum nitride, zinc, zirconium, titanium, zirconiumnitride, silver, or a combination thereof.

A protective case 100 for an electronic device can include a chassishaving a cavity configured to receive an electronic device. The cavitycan include an inner left side surface, an inner right side surface, aninner top side surface, an inner bottom side surface, and an inner frontside surface. The chassis can include a left side rail receiver and aright side rail receiver. The protective case can include a firstcushion layer covering at least a portion of the inner left side surfaceof the cavity, a second cushion layer covering at least a portion of theinner right side surface of the cavity, a third cushion layer coveringat least a portion of the inner top side surface of the cavity, a fourthcushion layer covering at least a portion of the inner bottom sidesurface of the cavity, and a fifth cushion layer covering at least aportion of the inner front side surface of the cavity. The protectivecase can include a sliding back portion configured to slidably attach tothe chassis. The sliding back portion can include a left side rail and aright side rail, where the left side rail is configured to slidablyengage the left side rail receiver and the right side rail configured toslidably engage the right side rail receiver. The sliding back portioncan include an inner surface, an outer surface, a channel formed in theinner surface of the sliding back portion, and a back side cushion layerdisposed in the channel. The back side cushion layer can include a backside raised portion extending from the back side cushion layer andconfigured to provide a back air gap between the inner surface of thesliding back portion and a back surface of an electronic device when theelectronic device is installed in the protective case.

The protective case can include a left side raised portion extendingfrom the first cushion layer covering. The left side raised portion canbe configured to provide a left side air gap between the first cushionlayer and a left side of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the protective case. The left side air gap can beabout 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, or 0.01-0.03 in. Theleft side raised portion can have a length of about 0.125-8.0, 0.5-6.0,2.0-6.0, 4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0 inches.

The protective case can include a right side raised portion extendingfrom the second cushion layer covering. The right side raised portioncan be configured to provide a right side air gap between the secondcushion layer and a right side of the electronic device when theelectronic device is installed in the protective case. The right sideair gap can be about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, or0.01-0.03 in. The right side raised portion can have a length of about0.125-8.0, 0.5-6.0, 2.0-6.0, 4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0 inches.

The protective case can include a front side raised portion extendingfrom the fifth cushion layer covering. The front side raised portionconfigured to provide a front side air gap between the fifth cushionlayer and a right side of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the protective case. The front side air gap canbe about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, or 0.01-0.03 in.The front side raised portion can have a length of about 0.125-8.0,0.5-6.0, 2.0-6.0, 4.0-6.0, or 5.0-6.0 inches.

The protective case can have a camera air gap between the inner surfaceof the sliding back portion and a back surface of the electronic devicewhen the electronic device is installed in the protective case. Thecamera air gap can be configured to prevent abrasion to a camera lensand camera flash located on the back surface of the electronic deviceduring installation of the sliding back portion. The camera air gap canbe about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, or 0.01-0.03 in.

The chassis can include an outer left side surface, an outer right sidesurface, an outer top side surface, a left side surface coveringattached to the outer left side surface of the chassis, a right sidesurface covering affixed to the outer right side surface of the chassis,and a top side surface covering affixed to the outer top side surface ofthe chassis. The sliding back portion can include a pocket attached tothe outer surface of the sliding back portion, and the pocket can beconfigured to receive a payment card or identification card.

In some examples, the protective case 100 can include a transparentlayer 195 proximate a front side surface of the protective case. Thetransparent layer 195 can be a flexible membrane, such as a polyurethanemembrane, or a sheet of glass, such as alkali-aluminosilicate sheettoughened glass or sapphire glass. Toughened glass or sapphire glass canresist scratching and can provide a feel that is similar to theinteractive touchscreen of the electronic device, which is desirable tomany users. As shown in FIG. 8, the transparent layer 195 can include anopening to provide access to one or more features of the electronicdevice 50, such as a speaker or a home button 196. FIG. 9 shows apartial cross-sectional view of the protective case shown in FIG. 8. Thetransparent layer 195 can be adhered to the protective case 100 by anysuitable method, such as with an adhesive layer. In some examples, thetransparent layer 195 can be attached to the inner surface of the bezel130 with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

FIG. 10 shows a waterproof protective case 100 for an electronic device.The waterproof case 100 can include a transparent layer 195 that ispositioned proximate an interactive touchscreen of the mobile electronicdevice 50 when the device is installed in the protective case. Thewaterproof case 100 can also include a home button cover 197. The homebutton cover can be made of the same material as the transparent layer195 or of a different material. Where the home button 196 is amechanical button that is capable of moving up and down, the home buttoncover 197 can be flexibly connected to the transparent layer 195 topermit up and down motion of the home button cover to effectivelyactuate the home button. Where the home button 196 includes a biometricsensor, such as a fingerprint scanner, the home button cover 197 can beconfigured to be compatible with the biometric sensor. For example, thehome button cover 197 can be made of a suitable material and have asuitable thickness to permit operation of the biometric sensor throughthe home button cover. For instance, where the biometric sensor is afingerprint scanner, the home button cover 197 can be made of apolyurethane membrane having a thickness of about 0.001-0.006 inches. Inanother example, the home button cover 197 can be made of a layer ofpolymer or glass (e.g. sapphire glass) having a thickness of about0.001-0.010 or 0.001-0.020 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the waterproof protective case 100 caninclude a seal or gasket 198 between the rail 131 and the rail receiver132 to ensure a liquid tight seal between the sliding back portion 105and the chassis 180 of the case. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 11,the seal 198 can be disposed within the rail receiver and configured tobe slightly compressed by the rail 131 during installation of thesliding back portion 105 onto the case. By slightly compressing the seal198, a liquid-tight seal is formed. In other examples, as shown in FIG.12, the seal 198 can be disposed in a channel within the sliding backportion and can be slightly compressed against the chassis 180 duringinstallation of the sliding back portion onto the case. By slightlycompressing the seal 198, a liquid-tight seal is formed.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a waterproof protective case 100 for anelectronic device 50. The waterproof protective case 100 can include aseal 198 as shown in FIG. 11 or 12 to provide a liquid-tight sealbetween the sliding back portion 105 and the chassis 180. The waterproofprotective case 100 can also include a seal 134 that is configured toseal against a front surface 52 of the electronic device 50. By sealingdirectly against the front surface of the device, the protective casedoes not require a transparent layer 195.

In one example, a protective case for an electronic device can include achassis having a cavity configured to receive an electronic device. Thecavity can include an inner left side surface, an inner right sidesurface, an inner top side surface, an inner bottom side surface, and aninner front side surface. The chassis can include a left side railreceiver disposed in the inner left side of the chassis and a right siderail receiver disposed in the inner right side of the chassis.

The protective case can include a sliding back portion having an innersurface and an outer surface. The sliding back portion can slidablyattach to the chassis. The sliding back portion can include a left siderail extending from a left side of the sliding back portion and a rightside rail extending from a right side of the sliding back portion. Theleft side rail can be configured to slidably engage the left side railreceiver of the chassis, and the right side rail can be configured toslidably engage the right side rail receiver of the chassis.

The protective case can include an internal suspension system having aback side suspension portion extending into the cavity from an innersurface of the sliding back portion. The back side suspension portioncan be configured to contact a back surface of the electronic devicewhen the electronic device is installed in the protective case. Theinternal suspension system can include a right side suspension portionextending into the cavity from an inner right side surface of thechassis and configured to contact a right side surface of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.The internal suspension system can include a left side suspensionportion extending into the cavity from an inner left side surface of thechassis. The left side suspension system can be configured to contact aleft side surface of the electronic device when the electronic device isinstalled in the protective case. The internal suspension system caninclude a front side suspension portion extending into the cavity froman inner front side surface of the chassis. The front side suspensionportion can be configured to contact a front surface of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.

The back side suspension portion can be configured to provide a firstair gap of at least 0.005 in., where the first air gap is measuredbetween the back surface of the electronic device and the inner surfaceof the sliding back portion when the electronic device is installed inthe protective case and the sliding back portion is installed on theprotective case. The right side suspension portion can be configured toprovide a second air gap of at least 0.005 in., where the second air gapis measured between the right side surface of the electronic device andthe inner right side surface of the chassis when the electronic deviceis installed in the protective case and the sliding back portion isinstalled on the protective case. The left side suspension portion canbe configured to provide a third air gap of at least 0.005 in., wherethe third air gap is measured between the left side surface of theelectronic device and the inner left side surface of the chassis whenthe electronic device is installed in the protective case and thesliding back portion is installed on the protective case. The front sidesuspension portion can be configured to provide a fourth air gap of atleast 0.005 in., where the fourth air gap is measured between the frontsurface of the electronic device and the inner front side surface of thechassis when the electronic device is installed in the protective caseand the sliding back portion is installed on the protective case.

The protective case can include a transparent layer attached to theinner front surface of the chassis. The transparent layer can beconfigured to be positioned proximate to the interactive touchscreen ofthe electronic device when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case. In some examples, the transparent layer can be made ofpolyurethane, polyethylene, sheet toughened glass, or sapphire glass.The transparent layer can have a thickness of about 0.001-0.020,0.001-0.01, or 0.001-0.006.

In one example, a waterproof protective case for an electronic devicecan include a chassis having a cavity. The cavity can be configured toreceive an electronic device. The cavity can have an inner left sidesurface, an inner right side surface, an inner top side surface, aninner bottom side surface, and an inner front side surface. The chassiscan include a left side rail receiver disposed in the inner left side ofthe chassis and a right side rail receiver disposed in the inner rightside of the chassis.

The waterproof protective case can include a sliding back portion havingan inner surface and an outer surface. The sliding back portion can beconfigured to slidably attach to the chassis. A first seal can bedisposed in a channel in the sliding back portion. The first seal can beconfigured to provide a liquid-tight seal between the sliding backportion and the chassis when the sliding back portion is installed onthe protective case. The waterproof protective case can include aninternal suspension system having a back side suspension portionextending into the cavity from an inner surface of the sliding backportion, where the back side suspension portion is configured to contacta back surface of the electronic device when the electronic device isinstalled in the protective case. The internal suspension system caninclude a right side suspension portion extending into the cavity froman inner right side surface of the chassis, where the right sidesuspension portion is configured to contact a right side surface of theelectronic device when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case. The internal suspension system can include a left sidesuspension portion extending into the cavity from an inner left sidesurface of the chassis, where the left side suspension portion isconfigured to contact a left side surface of the electronic device whenthe electronic device is installed in the protective case.

The sliding back portion can include a left side rail extending from aleft side of the sliding back portion and a right side rail extendingfrom a right side of the sliding back portion. The left side rail can beconfigured to slidably engage the left side rail receiver of thechassis, and the right side rail can be configured to slidably engagethe right side rail receiver of the chassis.

The waterproof protective case can include a front side suspensionportion extending into the cavity from an inner front side surface ofthe chassis, where the front side suspension portion can be configuredto contact a front surface of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the protective case.

The waterproof protective case can include a transparent layer attachedto the inner front surface of the chassis. The transparent layer can beconfigured to be positioned proximate an interactive touchscreen of theelectronic device when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case. In some examples, the transparent layer can be made ofpolyurethane, polyethylene, sheet toughened glass, or sapphire glass.The transparent layer can have a thickness of about 0.001-0.020,0.001-0.01, or 0.001-0.006. In some examples, the waterproof protectivecase can include an opening in the transparent layer. The opening in thetransparent layer can be occupied by a home button cover flexibly orrigidly connected to the transparent layer. The home button cover canpermit actuation of or interaction with a home button (such as a homebutton include a biometric sensor) of the electronic device when theelectronic device is installed in the protective case.

The waterproof protective case can include a second seal extending fromthe inner front surface of the chassis. The second seal can beconfigured to provide a liquid-tight seal between the second seal andthe front surface of the electronic device when the electronic device isinstalled in the waterproof protective case.

In some examples, a protective case can be configured to preserve resalevalue of an electronic device. The protective case can include a chassishaving a cavity configured to receive the electronic device. The cavitycan have an inner left side surface, an inner right side surface, aninner top side surface, an inner bottom side surface, and an inner frontside surface. The chassis can include a left side rail receiver and aright side rail receiver. The protective case can include an internalsuspension system having a first cushion layer covering at least aportion of the inner left side surface of the cavity, a second cushionlayer covering at least a portion of the inner right side surface of thecavity, a third cushion layer covering at least a portion of the innertop side surface of the cavity, a fourth cushion layer covering at leasta portion of the inner bottom side surface of the cavity, and a fifthcushion layer covering at least a portion of the inner front sidesurface of the cavity.

The protective case can include a sliding back portion configured toslidably attach to the chassis. The sliding back portion can include aleft side rail and a right side rail. The left side rail can beconfigured to slidably engage the left side rail receiver, and the rightside rail can be configured to slidably engage the right side railreceiver. The sliding back portion can include an inner surface, anouter surface, a channel formed in the inner surface of the sliding backportion, a back side cushion layer disposed in the channel, the backside cushion layer comprising a back side raised portion extending fromthe back side cushion layer and configured to provide a back air gapbetween the inner surface of the sliding back portion and a back surfaceof an electronic device when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case.

The protective case can include a left side suspension portion extendingfrom the first cushion layer covering. The left side suspension portioncan be configured to provide a left side air gap between the firstcushion layer and a left side of the electronic device when theelectronic device is installed in the protective case. The left side airgap can be about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, or0.01-0.03 in.

The protective case can include a right side suspension portionextending from the second cushion layer covering. The right sidesuspension portion can be configured to provide a right side air gapbetween the second cushion layer and a right side of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.The right side air gap can be about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05,0.02-0.04, or 0.01-0.03 in.

The protective case can include a front side suspension portionextending from the fifth cushion layer covering. The front sidesuspension portion can be configured to provide a front side air gapbetween the fifth cushion layer and a right side of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.The front side air gap can be about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05,0.02-0.04, or 0.01-0.03 in.

The protective case can include a camera air gap between the innersurface of the sliding back portion and a back surface of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective case.The camera air gap can be configured to prevent abrasion to a cameralens and camera flash located on the back surface of the electronicdevice during installation of the sliding back portion. The camera airgap can be about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, or 0.01-0.03 in.

The chassis of the protective case can include an outer left sidesurface, an outer right side surface, an outer top side surface, a leftside surface covering attached to the outer left side surface of thechassis, a right side surface covering affixed to the outer right sidesurface of the chassis, and a top side surface covering affixed to theouter top side surface of the chassis.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the claims to the embodiments disclosed. Other modifications andvariations may be possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application to enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the claims be construed to include other alternativeembodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case for an electronic device, theprotective case comprising: a chassis comprising a cavity configured toreceive the electronic device, the cavity comprising an inner left sidesurface, an inner right side surface, an inner top side surface, aninner bottom side surface, and an inner front side surface; a backportion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the backportion configured to be adjacent to a back surface of the electronicdevice when the electronic device is installed in the protective caseand when the back portion is attached to the chassis, the back portionbeing slidably removable from the chassis; and an internal suspensionsystem positioned in the cavity and attached to the inner surfaces ofthe chassis and the back portion, the internal suspension systemcomprising a first cushion portion covering at least a portion of theinner left side surface of the cavity, a second cushion portion coveringat least a portion of the inner right side surface of the cavity, athird cushion portion covering at least a portion of the inner top sidesurface of the cavity, a fourth cushion portion covering at least aportion of the inner bottom side surface of the cavity, and a fifthcushion portion extending into the cavity from at least a portion of theinner surface of the back portion, the fifth cushion portion configuredto contact a back surface of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the protective case, wherein the internalsuspension system is configured to protect the installed electronicdevice from external forces and to provide an air gap between the innersurface of the back portion and at least a portion of the back surfaceof the installed electronic device.
 2. The protective case of claim 1,wherein the air gap between the inner surface of the back portion and atleast a portion of the back surface of the installed electronic deviceis at least 0.005 inches.
 3. The protective case of claim 1, furthercomprising a transparent layer positioned proximate an interactivetouchscreen of the installed electronic device, the interactivetouchscreen operable through the transparent layer.
 4. The protectivecase of claim 3, wherein the transparent layer comprises toughenedglass.
 5. The protective case of claim 3, wherein the transparent layercomprises a flexible membrane.
 6. The protective case of claim 1 whereinthe back portion includes a cushion layer overmolded on a portion of theinner surface of the back portion, the cushion layer disposed at leastin part in a channel on the inner surface of the back portion.
 7. Theprotective case of claim 1, further comprising an opening in the chassisfor accessing an electrical port of the installed electronic device. 8.The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a left sidesuspension portion extending from the first cushion portion, the leftside suspension portion configured to provide a left side air gapbetween the first cushion portion and a left side of the installedelectronic device, wherein the left side air gap is about 0.005-0.1,0.005-0.08, 0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, or 0.01-0.03 in.
 9. The protectivecase of claim 1, further comprising a right side suspension portionextending from the second cushion portion, the right side suspensionportion configured to provide a right side air gap between the firstcushion portion and a right side of the installed electronic device,wherein the right side air gap is about 0.005-0.1, 0.005-0.08,0.01-0.05, 0.02-0.04, or 0.01-0.03 in.
 10. The protective case of claim1 wherein the internal suspension system is molded onto one or more ofthe chassis and the back portion.
 11. The protective case of claim 1wherein the internal suspension system comprises thermoplasticelastomer.
 12. A protective case for a portable electronic device havingan interactive touchscreen, the protective case comprising: a chassisincluding a cavity configured to receive the portable electronic device,the chassis comprising an left side having an inner left side surface, aright side having an inner right side surface, a top side having aninner top side surface, and a bottom side having an inner bottom sidesurface; a back member comprising an inner back surface and an outerback surface, the back member configured such that the inner backsurface of the back member is proximate a back surface of the portableelectronic device when the portable electronic device is installed inthe protective case and when the back member is attached to the chassis,the back member being slidably removable from the chassis; and aninternal suspension system comprising a first cushion section coveringat least a portion of the inner left side surface of the chassis, asecond cushion section covering at least a portion of the inner rightside surface of the chassis, a third cushion section covering at least aportion of the inner top side surface of the chassis, a fourth cushionsection covering at least a portion of the inner bottom side surface ofthe chassis, and a fifth cushion section extending into the cavity fromat least a portion of the inner back surface of the back member, thefifth cushion section configured to contact a back surface of theinstalled portable electronic device, wherein the internal suspensionsystem is configured to provide an air gap between at least a portion ofthe inner back surface of the back member of the protective case and atleast a portion of the back surface of the installed portable electronicdevice.
 13. The protective case of claim 12, further comprising atransparent layer positioned proximate the interactive touchscreen ofthe installed portable electronic device, the interactive touchscreenoperable through the transparent layer.
 14. The protective case of claim12 wherein the back member includes rails that engage rail receivers onthe chassis to make the back member slidably removable from the chassis.15. The protective case of claim 12, further comprising an opening inthe chassis for accessing an electrical port of the installed portableelectronic device.
 16. A protective cover for an electronic device, theprotective cover comprising: a chassis comprising sides and a slidablyremovable back member defining a cavity configured to receive theelectronic device, the cavity bounded at least in part by an inner leftside surface, an inner right side surface, an inner top side surface, aninner bottom side surface, and an inner back surface of the chassis,wherein the inner sides surfaces of the chassis are adjacent torespective sides of the electronic device when the electronic device isinstalled in the protective cover and the inner back surface of thechassis is adjacent to a back surface of the installed electronicdevice; and an internal suspension system formed at least partially inthe cavity, the internal suspension system comprising a first cushionsection covering at least a portion of the inner left side surface ofthe chassis, a second cushion section covering at least a portion of theinner right side surface of the chassis, a third cushion sectioncovering at least a portion of the inner top side surface of thechassis, and a fourth cushion section covering at least a portion of theinner bottom side surface of the chassis, the cushion sections eachpositioned to contact a respective side and a respective portion of theback surface of the installed electronic device, the internal suspensionsystem configured to protect the installed electronic device fromexternal forces and to provide an air gap between the inner back surfaceof the chassis and an area of the back surface of the installedelectronic device.
 17. The protective cover of claim 16, wherein the airgap between the inner back surface of the chassis and at least a portionof the back surface of the installed electronic device is at least 0.010inches.
 18. The protective cover of claim 16, further comprising atransparent flexible membrane positioned over an interactive touchscreenof the electronic device, the interactive touchscreen operable throughthe transparent flexible membrane.
 19. The protective cover of claim 16,further comprising a camera opening in the back member for a camera ofthe installed electronic device.
 20. The protective cover of claim 16,further comprising an opening in one of the sides of the chassis foraccessing an electrical port of the installed electronic device.